How to Clean Curtains

Cleaning your curtains can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tips and tricks, it can be a breeze. In this guide, we will discuss how to clean different types of curtains using various methods. We will also provide tips on how to keep your curtains looking new for longer. So, if you’re looking for the best way to clean your curtains at home, you’ve come to the right place!

Before we get started, it’s important that you first check the care label in your curtains or confirm with the manufacturer before cleaning as not all fabrics will be suitable for your chosen cleaning method.

1. How to Clean Curtains
2. Regular Cleaning
3. How to Vacuum Curtains
4. How to Steam Curtains
5. Prevent Mould on Curtains
6. Remove Stains from Curtains
7. FAQ’s

How to Clean Curtains in 2023

At Unbeatable Blinds, all our made to measure curtains come with fabric and care instructions as standard. These can be found stitched into the lining. You should always refer to these instructions when cleaning as they will provide helpful information on how to safely wash and maintain your curtains.

How you clean your curtains will depend on what style of fabric you have chosen and what it is made from. We always recommend dry cleaning your curtains to ensure minimal wear and damage, however some of our curtains are suitable to be given a cool wash or iron, this is usually the case for our 100% cotton fabrics. Again, we always ask that you refer to your care instructions as these will be more specific to your fabric.

If you are unable to wash your curtains, there are a few things you can do before having them dry cleaned. Here are some of our tried and tested methods for cleaning and removing stains from your curtains.

Regularly Cleaning your Space

Usually, the bottom edge of your curtain is the first place to show dirt. This is because they rest on or near your floor or windowsill. To reduce the amount of dirt accumulating on your curtains, you should vacuum or sweep the area around your curtain regularly. This will keep both the carpet and your curtains free from dust, so they look fresh and new for longer.

Using a Vacuum with an Attachment

Lined curtains benefit from regular vacuuming with a soft brush attachment as this helps to remove dust and small particles from the fabric. It is important to use a soft brush attachment designed for use on furniture and upholstery as this will avoid damaging the fibres and won’t leave marks or tears in the material. We have detailed the best way to clean your curtains with a vacuum below:

1. Attach the small brush attachment to your vacuum.
2. Close your curtains fully ensuring they are flat against the window opening.
3. Starting from the top, take vacuum and gently brush the brush attachment down the length of your curtain.
4. Repeat this process across the entire width of your curtains, paying special attention to the edges of the fabric.
5. Once you have cleaned the front of your curtains, you can follow the same process on the back.

Using a Steamer

Steaming is a fantastic way to get wrinkles and creases out of your curtains. If you need to steam your curtains, you can do so by following these steps:

1. Before steaming, you should clean your curtains using a vacuum with a small brush attachment, as directed above. This will remove any dust.
2. Allow your steamer to come up to the correct temperature and then begin moving it over your curtains. We recommend steaming only on the lining side of your curtains.
3. Start at the top of your curtains and work in large sweeping motions down to the bottom of the fabric.
4. While your curtains are still slightly damp, you can smooth out any creases or create neat folds. This will ensure your curtains hang perfectly.

Prevent Mould

If your curtains hang in a room that suffers with condensation and dampness, this could result in a build-up of mould on your curtain lining. Mould can be extremely difficult to remove without damaging your fabric, which is why we recommend taking these preventative steps:

1. Always keep your room warm and well ventilated.
2. Open windows when you can to reduce the spread of mould and prevent condensation.
3. If your room happens to be particularly prone to dampness and condensation, investing in a dehumidifier may be your best option.
4. Most homes in the UK now have double glazing, however if you find you only have single glazing windows, upgrading to double can help significantly with heat retention and prevent draughts.

Removing Stains

If vacuuming doesn’t do the trick, you might be wondering what else you can do to get your curtains clean. Spot cleaning your curtains is a great way to remove small marks and dirt. Follow these steps on how to spot clean your curtains to remove any stubborn stains:

1. Before you get started, you will need a soft microfibre cloth and warm water.
2. Soak your cloth in the warm water and ensure it is well wrung out. You don’t want it to be dripping with water.
3. Take your dampened cloth and gently rub over any areas that need cleaned.
4. Always ensure you let your curtains fully dry, opening the window can air them out and help them dry quicker.
5. Please Note: You should never use detergent or stain removers as they could damage or discolour the fabric.

If the steps above aren’t enough to keep your curtains clean and they need a little extra care, then you can have them professionally cleaned by a dry cleaner.

FAQ’s

How to wash curtains?

You may be able to give your curtains a cool wash depending on what material they have been made with. You will be able to see if your curtains are suitable for a cool wash on the care instructions. If they are, we always recommend doing this by hand to prevent damage to the fabric.

If you can wash them by hand, you should submerge one panel at a time in a sink, basin, or bathtub and soak in soapy water for 10 minutes. Please only use mild detergents that are suitable for the fabric. Once they have soaked, you should drain the soapy water and rinse until all the soap suds are gone. To ensure they dry quickly, you can press some of the water out of them, and then hang to dry.

How to wash curtains in a washing machine?

We don’t usually recommend washing your curtains in a washing machine as this can cause damage and fraying of the fabric. However, if you’re curtains are suitable for a cool wash and you are unable to do this by hand or have them dry cleaned, you may wish to use your washing machine.

If you choose to use this method you should always use the gentle cycle, cool or lukewarm water, and mild detergent that is suitable for your curtains. If possible, hang them on a clothesline afterwards to air dry.

Do I need to take my curtains down to wash them?

You don’t always need to remove your curtains to wash or clean them. If you are vacuuming or spot cleaning your curtains, you can leave them hanging on the track or pole. However, if you are giving them a cool wash by hand or putting them in a washing machine, you will of course need to take them down.

How much does it cost to dry clean curtains?

If you want to have your curtains professionally cleaned by a dry cleaner, you might be wondering how much it’s going to cost. The cost for dry cleaning curtains will depend on the type of curtains you have, what material they are made of and their size and weight, as well as how good the dry cleaner is. Always ask your dry cleaner for a quote for any dry-cleaning services and compare this with others in your area to find the best quality dry cleaner that suits your budget!

How to clean curtains without washing?

Most curtains can be vacuumed, or spot cleaned to maintain them, meaning they won’t need to be washed. You can follow the steps above on how to clean curtains to keep them looking new without having to wash them.

It’s important that you keep your curtains clean to ensure they and your space looks fresh and stylish. They can be easily cleaned by following the simple steps we have outlined, or you can have them professionally dry-cleaned. We recommend vacuuming and spot cleaning your curtains regularly to maintain their appearance and prolong their life. If you need any help or advice on how to clean your curtains, our team of experts are on hand to answer all your questions.

Check out our range of Made to Measure Curtains online today. Our incredible selection features a wide range of styles and fabrics to suit every home.

Looking for tips on how to clean blinds? We have detailed cleaning guides you can follow below:

Roller Blinds – How to Clean
Vertical Blinds – How to Clean
Wooden Blinds – How to Clean